DNA Evidence and Molecular Genetics Disprove the Book of Mormonby Rich Deem

Introduction

The Book of Mormon makes several scientific claims that can be tested.
The chief claim, and the premise of the entire book, is that Hebrews carried
the message of the coming Messiah on a voyage across the Atlantic. These
Hebrews multiplied and were to eventually become the Native Americans found
throughout the North and South American continents. Can this claim be
established or falsified? Until recently, there was no answer. However,
the Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA technology that has been used in courts of law can be used to test
this claim directly.

According to the Book of Mormon

This is an account of the history of the peoples of the Americas
according to the Book of Mormon. The First Book of Nephi
describes the
family of Lehi, a descendant of Joseph, Son of Jacob,1
and his wife Sariah, who lived in Jerusalem about 600 B.C.
The Lord warned Lehi to depart out of the land of Jerusalem, because they
were seeking to kill him because he had prophesied to the people concerning their iniquity. Lehi
had four sons. Lehi’s youngest son, Nephi, was more righteous than Laman,
the firstborn, so he became the leader.

Nephi was told to build a ship to travel to a new promised land.2
He and his brothers and their wives and a few other people landed in the Americas ~592 B.C.3
From there, division arose among the brothers Nephi and Laman. The
Nephites kept the law of Moses and constructed a temple. The unbelief of
the Lamanites led God to put a curse of black skin on them, whereas the
Nephites were still “white, and exceedingly fair and
delightsome.”4

The Lamanites battled the Nephites and in 326 A.D. killed all of them
except Moroni, who was given the account by his father Mormon, who wrote on gold plates and buried them at
Cumorah Hill in New York State. Joseph Smith said that he was told about
these plates, and spent three years translating them by the
help of God. The accounts of these plates became the Book of Mormon.

Scientific claims of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon claims that the Native American populations are
descended from the Lamanites, who lived in ancient Israel 2,600 years ago.
This concept is stated several times throughout the Book of Mormon
and Doctrine and Covenants (both of which are part of the
“standard works” that makeup the body of LDS scripture):

Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA studies on the origin of Native Americans

Although theoretically possible that a group of peoples could have
traveled across the Atlantic Ocean 2,600 years ago, such a journey would
have been extremely unlikely to succeed. Even travel across the Atlantic
500 years ago, with much better technology, was extremely risky. Through
numerous scientific studies, scientists have concluded that Native
American populations are derived from Asian populations, who crossed the
Bering land bridge during or near the end of the last ice age. Because of
the vast amount of continental glaciers, sea levels were ~300 feet lower
than today, which created land bridges between many continents that are
now isolated by ocean. However, much of the interior of the North
American continent was still covered with glaciers, preventing migration from
the West to the East at that time. The migrating population rapidly spread South
along the West coast, reaching South America within a few hundred years
or less. Once the continental and Bering Straight ice had melted by ~10,000
years ago, return from the Americas to Asia would have been extremely
difficult, with travelers having to cross the Bering Sea by boat,
braving the Arctic storms. Scientific studies examining the origin of Native Americans use several
different genetic techniques. The fact that all the techniques lead to the same
conclusions is extremely strong evidence that verifies the validity of the studies.
These genetic studies can be classified into six major groups:

Y-chromosome

Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA (mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA)

Polymorphic Alu Chromosomal abnormalities in which a DNA sequences are inserted into genes, disrupting the normal structure and function of those genes.insertions

Referring to a type of virus that contains RNA as its genetic material. The RNA of the virus is translated into DNA, which inserts itself into an infected cell's own DNARetroviralDeoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA elements

Intestinal microbial flora

Domesticated animals

Y-chromosome

The Y-chromosome is the sex-determining One of the threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosome found only in males.
This One of the threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosome is passed down from father to son, and so, records the
history of descent along the male bloodline. Since it is passed down
exclusively by males, there is no recombination on the One of the threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosome, making
the genetics considerably simpler than those found in the Referring to any chromosome other than a sex chromosome. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.autosomalOne of the threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosomes,
which recombine in each generation.

These studies show that Native Americans share genetic Y-chromosome A common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals of a species or race.polymorphisms with Siberian Asians. One study examined, a C→T
transition at One of the structural components, or building blocks, of DNA and RNA. A nucleotide consists of a base plus a molecule of sugar and one of phosphate.nucleotide position 181 of the DYS199 The place on a chromosome where a specific gene is located, a kind of address for the gene.locus, which was found
in all five Native American populations studied.5
The same A common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals of a species or race.polymorphism was found in two of nine native Siberian
populations, the Siberian Eskimo and the Asian Chukchi. As a control,
researchers examined the DYS287 Y Alu polymorphic element A type of chromosomal abnormality in which a DNA sequence is inserted into a gene, disrupting the normal structure and function of that gene.insertion and an
A→G transition at DYS271, both commonly found in Africans, but found
neither African One of the variant forms of a gene at a particular locus, or location, on a chromosome.allele in any of the
Native American or native Siberian populations.

A second study examined the major groups of the Native American founding
populations.6 Haplotype M3, accounted for 66% of male
Y-chromosomes
and was found associated with native populations from the Chukotka peninsula
in Siberia, adjacent to
Alaska. The second major group of Native American Y-chromosomes, haplotype M45, accounted for about one-quarter of male lineages. This
haplotype was found in the
Lower Amur River and Sea of Okhotsk regions of eastern Siberia. The remaining 5% of Native American
Y-chromosomes
were of haplotype RPS4Y-T, which was found in the Lower Amur River/Sea of Okhotsk
region of Siberia. These data suggested that Native American male lineages were
derived from one or two major Siberian migrations.

An analysis of 63 A common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals of a species or race.polymorphisms and 10 tandem repeat The order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule, or the order of amino acids in a protein molecule.sequences were
analyzed for 2,344 One of the two sex chromosomes that determines maleness in mammals, carried and passed down from males to males.Y Chromosomes from Native American, Asian, and European
populations.7 Analysis of these The order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule, or the order of amino acids in a protein molecule.sequences
indicated that three major haplogroups, C, Q, and R, accounted for nearly
96% of Native American One of the two sex chromosomes that determines maleness in mammals, carried and passed down from males to males.Y Chromosomes. Haplogroups C and Q were found to
represent early Native American founding One of the two sex chromosomes that determines maleness in mammals, carried and passed down from males to males.Y chromosome lineages, while
haplogroup R was found to come from recent admixture with Europeans.
Phylogenetic analyses of haplogroups C and Q traced both lineages to an
ancestral homeland in the Altai Mountains in Southwest Siberia, from 10,100
to 17,200 years ago.

Another study examined eight biallelic and six Repetitive stretches of short sequences of DNA used as genetic markers to track inheritance in families.Y microsatelliteA common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals of a species or race.polymorphisms
from the One of the two sex chromosomes that determines maleness in mammals, carried and passed down from males to males.Y Chromosomes of 438 individuals from 24 Native American
populations and in 404 Mongolians.8
The data showed that there were two major male migrations from
southern/central Siberia to the Americas (with the second migration being
restricted to North America). Age estimates based on Y-chromosome
Repetitive stretches of short sequences of DNA used as genetic markers to track inheritance in families.Y microsatellite diversity place the initial settlement of the American
continent at 14,000 years ago.

Another study examined more than 2,500 Y-chromosomes of wide geographic origin for the presence of the DYS199T One of the variant forms of a gene at a particular locus, or location, on a chromosome.allele.9 The
One of the variant forms of a gene at a particular locus, or location, on a chromosome.allele was found only in Amerindian and
East Asian populations. A large
worldwide study of over 300 men examined 32 Y-chromosome haplotypes and traced
the ancestors of Native Americans back to Central Siberia, primarily the Kets and
Altaians from the Yenissey River Basin and Altai Mountains.10
Another worldwide study examined over 2,000 males from 60 global populations
and concluded that the founder population of Native Americans had migrated
“from the general region of Lake Baikal to the Americas.”11

Other studies have examined the pattern of migration in the Americas
revealed through Y chromosomal A common variation in the sequence of DNA among individuals of a species or race.polymorphisms found in different Native American
populations. These studies have found a North to South gradient
of increasing genetic drift in the Americas.12
This is contrary to the Book of Mormon claim that the founding
populations originated in either Central America or Chile. If such claims
were true, the gradient would run in the opposite direction. An additional
study indicated that there was a “west-to-east migration of Native Americans
during prehistoric times,”13 which would be expected if Asians
entered through Alaska and migrated South and East.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

Of or referring to the mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.MitochondrialDeoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA (Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA) is passed down from mother to daughter, and so
defines the lineage along the female bloodline. Therefore, it provides an
independent means to confirm descent of population groups.

One study analyzed Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA in 42 Mongolians from Ulan Bator.
All four Amerindian founding lineage haplotypes were detected in 54% of these
42 individuals, demonstrating an Asian origin.14
A second study examined Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA hypervariable segment I (HVS-1) from the Tuvinians and
Buryats, two aboriginal
populations of South Siberia. This study found that these populations expressed
the four Native American-specific
haplogroups (A-D) at frequencies of 72.2% and 55%.15

Another study, using 720 Amerindian
Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNAThe order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule, or the order of amino acids in a protein molecule.sequences, showed that Native
Americans’ ancestral-population differentiation occurred approximately 22,000 years ago,16 well
before the time frame given in the Book of Mormon. Other studies have set the
date for the founding haplogroups at 34,000 yearsago.17 A study of Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA from 108 individuals from 700 year old burial site
confirmed the founding populations originated 23,000-37,000 yearsago.18

More recent studies have shown that haplogroups A, B and C-D originate
from different geographic areas of Siberia.19
Thus, haplogroup A originated from populations of northwestern and northern
Siberia, haplogroup B from the Ob River in the west, to the Upper Yenisei
region in the east, and haplogroups C and D from the Ulchi of the Lower
Amur. Another study showed through an analysis of haplogroups A-D and
perhaps X that Native Americans rapidly colonized the Americas through
coastal migration.20

Recently, ancient Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA techniques have been used to examine the genetics
of pre-Columbian skeletal samples from Native Americans. One study
examined the Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA haplogroups from 47 pre-Columbian skeletons from Cuba.21
As expected, Native American haplogroups A-D were found among the remains. Another study of ancient (10,000+ years old) Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA from Prince of Wales Island,
Alaska showed that the ancestors of ancient Native Americans migrated to
California, Illinois, Mexico, Ecuador and Chile.22
This Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA was also a close match with a member of the Han ethnic group from
Qingdao in eastern China (see map, right). Most recently, scientists examined
the coalescence times of haplogroups A2, B2, C, D1, and X2a, and found that all
haplogroups originated between 20,000 and 22,000 years ago, suggesting a single
migratory origin for all Native Americans.23
This data directly contradicts the LDS claim that Middle Eastern haplogroups
contributed to Native American genetics some 2,600 years ago.

Polymorphic Alu Chromosomal abnormalities in which a DNA sequences are inserted into genes, disrupting the normal structure and function of those genes.insertions

The Alu family of retroposons is present at an extremely large copy number within the
Threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosomes of the human All the DNA contained in an organism or a cell, which includes both the chromosomes within the nucleus and the DNA in mitochondria.genome (500,000 copies/All the DNA contained in an organism or a cell, which includes both the chromosomes within the nucleus and the DNA in mitochondria.genome equivalent), representing approximately 10% of
its mass. The majority of these elements are thought to be transcriptionally inactive Sequence of DNA that are very similar to normal genes but that has been altered so they are not expressed.pseudogenes.
The distribution of the polymorphic Alu Chromosomal abnormalities in which a DNA sequences are inserted into genes, disrupting the normal structure and function of those genes.insertions is variable within population
groups from different geographic origins, and is not random along individual human Threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosomes.

A study examined 5 polymorphic Alu Chromosomal abnormalities in which a DNA sequences are inserted into genes, disrupting the normal structure and function of those genes.insertions in 895 unrelated individuals from
24 Native American populations compared to a worldwide population survey.24
The results showed a close similarity between the Chinese and Native Americans,
demonstrating a recent The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.gene flow from Asia.

A more recent study examined the Alu A type of chromosomal abnormality in which a DNA sequence is inserted into a gene, disrupting the normal structure and function of that gene.insertion located in the 3'
untranslated region of the LDLR The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.gene, studying Mongolian, Siberian, and
Native American populations.25 Seven haplotypes
were identified, with the greatest diversity between Siberian and Native
American populations compared to Mongolians. The conclusions supported
earlier Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA and Y-chromosome data, suggesting a single origin for the
first colonizers of the American continent.

Gut microbial flora

Helicobacter pylori, a chronic gastric pathogen of human beings, can
be found in virtually every human population group. Variations of the bacteria
can be divided into seven populations and subpopulations with distinct
geographical distributions. Analysis of these bacteria within native populations
worldwide reveals that the East Asian strain of Helicobacter pylori can
be isolated from Native Americans, indicating that East Asians are the likely
ancestor of Native Americans.26

Referring to a type of virus that contains RNA as its genetic material. The RNA of the virus is translated into DNA, which inserts itself into an infected cell's own DNARetroviral components

Human populations can become infected with commensal Viruses that contains RNA as their genetic material. The RNA of these viruses are translated into DNA, which inserts itself into an infected cell's own DNA.retroviruses that
remain in the All the DNA contained in an organism or a cell, which includes both the chromosomes within the nucleus and the DNA in mitochondria.genome and are passed from generation to generation. The human
T-cell lymphotrophic A type of virus that contains RNA as its genetic material. The RNA of the virus is translated into DNA, which inserts itself into an infected cell's own DNA.retrovirus HTLV-II is found in Mongolians and many
Native Americans, but not eastern Siberians.27
Such data would be expected if Native Americans originated from Central
Asia, as has been found in the other genetic studies.

Domesticated animals

Native Americans had domesticated dogs in their settlements. Nearly all of
these dogs were wiped out or interbred with European dogs, which were introduced
into the Americans following the arrival of Columbus in 1492. Although no
indigenous American dogs exist now, bones from pre-Columbian sites have been
studied to examine the genetics of those animals.

Mesoamerican dog from 200 B.C. - 500 A.D.—they had fleas even then

Scientists extracted Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA from the bones of 37 dog specimens from
archaeological sites in Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia, and 11 dog remains
from Alaska, all of which were deposited before the arrival of Columbus in the
New World.28Of or referring to the mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.MitochondrialDeoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNAThe order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule, or the order of amino acids in a protein molecule.sequences isolated from those ancient dog remains
from Latin America and Alaska showed that Native American dogs originated from
multiple Old World lineages of dogs that accompanied late Pleistocene humans
across the Bering Strait.

Genetic Studies—Conclusions

The studies cited above represent only a fraction of those that have been
done on the origin of Native American populations. The number of studies and the diversity of techniques used to examine the
origin of Native Americans provide overwhelming support that the ancestors of
the Native Americans came from Asia. The finding that all five Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA
haplogroups (A-D and X) and both Y-chromosome haplogroups (C and Q)
are found in native populations that inhabit the Altai Mountains in
southwestern Siberia, suggest that those populations as the most likely
ancestor of all Native American populations. The initial migration
seems to have occurred between 20,000-15,000 years ago—before the
emergence of the prehistoric Clovis sites (13,350-12,895 year ago) in North
America.29 Because an interior route through
northern North America was unavailable for human passage until ~12,550 years
ago (after the last glacial maximum) these ancestral groups must have used a
coastal route to reach South America by 14,675 years ago (the date of the
Monte Verde site in southern Chile). The initial migration brought Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA
haplogroups A-D and Y-chromosome haplogroups P-M45a and Q-242/Q-M3 to the
New World. A second expansion brought Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA haplogroup X and NRY haplogroups
P-M45b, C-M130, and R1a1-M17 to North and Central America. Finally,
populations that formerly inhabited Beringia expanded into northern North
America, giving rise to Eskimo-Aleuts and Na-Dene Indians.29

Objections to the studies

Haplogroup X

The last haplogroup identified in Native American populations was
haplogroup X, which is found in a small percentage of Native Americans. Although it has not been found in Native South Americans,30
it is present primarily in the Northeast U.S. Native American groups.
Originally, it was thought that this haplogroup was exclusively from European ancestry.
However, studies have shown that haplogroup X is found in Altaians
from South Siberia.31 Subsequent work showed
that haplotype X is an ancient marker that is found worlwide.32
Recent DNA sequencing of a 24,000 year old skeleton from Siberia showed that
population was an admixture of 14–38% western Eurasian ancestry and 62–86% east
Asian ancestry with haplotypes similar to Native Americans.33 A more recent skeleton from the
same location (dated to 17,000 years bp) showed similar genetics demonstrating
that those populations persisted until their migration into the Americas.33 Therefore, the claim that haplogroup X might represent the genetic contribution of populations
described in the Book of Mormon is false.

Genetic principles explain a lack of Jewish markers?

Mormon apologists have cited possible genetic effects to explain the lack of
Jewish genetic markers in Native American populations. Frequently cited are the
founder’s effect and genetic drift. Although the terms sound scientific and
possibly could explain the contradictory evidence, there is not a non-Mormon
scientist who would accept those kinds of explanations as being valid. Let’s
first explain the principles and how they might apply to these studies. Founder
effects can result from one individual becoming the dominant ancestor of a
population. In the founder effect, if that one individual harbors a significant
A permanent structural alteration in DNA, consisting of either a substitution, insertion or deletion of nucleotide bases.mutation compared to the population he came from, the genetics would be skewed
toward that one individual. Genetic drift results in isolated populations as
selective breeding occurs, skewing the genetics in a particular direction
different from other isolated populations.

Founder Effect

How could founder effect and genetic drift account for the data from these
genetics studies? In the Book of Mormon, the male founders of the Nephites
and Lamanites were descended from Lehi.34 In addition to the sons of Lehi, two
sons of Ishmael,35 and the servant Zoram36 traveled to the Americas and established
the Ishmaelites and Zoramites peoples, respectively. It is unclear if the
Ishmaelites and Zoramites ever intermarried with the Lamanites,37
although the Ishmaelites received the same curse of dark skin as the Lamanites.38
In addition, both the Ishmaelites and Zoramites eventually "became" Lamanites.39
If the Ishmaelites and Zoramites ever intermarried with the Lamanites, there
would be virtually no possibility of a founder effect regarding the
Y-chromosome. Without intermarriage, if Lehi harbored some kind of
skewed genetics, it would be reflected in his sons and their offspring. This
could explain some of the Y-chromosome data, which is passed on only through the
male line. However, since there are many different Y-chromosome haplotypes found
at many Multiple places on a chromosome where specific genes or genetic markers are located, a kind of address for the gene.loci, it is virtually impossible that all of those Multiple places on a chromosome where specific genes or genetic markers are located, a kind of address for the gene.loci would be mutated
in any one individual. It gets much worse for the Mormon apologist. Lehi’s genetics
could not explain the Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA genetics, since these Functional and physical units of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.genes are passed only
though the female line. The wives of Lehi’s sons were also from one family
line—Ishmael. However, the Book of Mormon also describes the sisters
of Nehi,40 who may or may no have contributed to
Lamanite genetics. Since there are four main
Native American specific Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA haplotypes, one would have to hypothesize that
all of these haplotypes were developed in the wives of Lehi’s sons or their
immediate daughters and that those haplotypes just happed to match those
of East Asians.
A third genetic technique examined the polymorphic Alu Chromosomal abnormalities in which a DNA sequences are inserted into genes, disrupting the normal structure and function of those genes.insertions found in the
Referring to any chromosome other than a sex chromosome. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.autosomal (non-X or Y) Threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.chromosomes, which matched Asian DNA. A fourth genetic
technique, examining Referring to a type of virus that contains RNA as its genetic material. The RNA of the virus is translated into DNA, which inserts itself into an infected cell's own DNAretroviralDeoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA in Asian and Native American Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA, would have
also had to mutate to the Asian variety within Native Americans. With similar
results for all four
genetic techniques, the founder effect would require at least 15 nearly simultaneous Permanent structural alterations in DNA, consisting of either substitutions, insertions or deletions of nucleotide bases.mutations
that happened to match those of Asians in Lehi’s sons and son’s wives—not
likely!

Not only do Mormon apologists have to deal with human genetics, they also
have to explain the genetics of certain intestinal bacteria and domesticated
dogs. In order for Native Americans to have been founded by Israelites, the Helicobacter pylori
in their gut would have had to mutate to match that of an Asian variety. In
addition, the dogs they took to the Americas would have had to mutate to an
Asian type genetics. All of these six extremely improbable, multiple
A permanent structural alteration in DNA, consisting of either a substitution, insertion or deletion of nucleotide bases.mutation effects would have had to have happened within a few generations
in the same small populations. The idea is scientifically ludicrous.

Genetic drift

Could genetic drift explain the lack of Jewish genetic markers in Native
Americans? A study of Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA from 108 individuals from 700 year old burial site
confirmed the founding populations originated 23,000-37,000 yearsago.21 The same kinds of haplotypes were
found in the ancient remains as those seen today, indicating that not much
genetic drift had occurred over the last 700 years. Even more convincing was
the analysis of 10,000+ years old Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA from Alaska that matched Native American
Deoxyribonucleic acid: the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.DNA from
California, Illinois, Mexico, Ecuador and Chile.22

The kinds of studies that have been done on Native Americans have also
been done on some Africans, specifically the Lemba tribe from South Africa, who claimed to have Jewish roots.
What is remarkable is that the time frame is almost exactly the same as
that claimed by the Book of Mormon. Here is an excerpt from the
prestigious journal Science:

Genetic evidence also supports the oral tradition that the Lemba, who
are now Bantu-speaking people of southern Africa, derive from Jews who
migrated from the Middle East to Yemen 2700 years ago and from Yemen
to southern Africa 2400 to 2000 years ago. More than 50% of
Lemba One of the two sex chromosomes that determines maleness in mammals, carried and passed down from males to males.Y Chromosomes carry haplotypes that are common among Jewish
populations but absent in their African neighbors (17). Genetic analysis
has also confirmed the distinctiveness of the Cohanim, or traditional
Jewish priesthood.41

Although the Lemba physically look like their black neighbors, their
genetics clearly indicate that they are one of the “lost” tribes
of Israel. The idea that all the Jewish Functional and physical units of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.genes could be lost through
genetic drift in a population of Native Americans in only 2,700 years is
absurd.

Other people groups make up the majority of Native Americans

It is possible that other people groups are the primary ancestors of the
Native Americans? Of course, this explanation ignores or falsifies the clear teaching
found in the Book of Mormon Introduction, that claims that the Lamanites
“are the principal ancestors of the
American Indians” (italics added).42 The Lamanites could not be the principal
ancestors of the Native Americans if they were only a minority
contributor. The Book of Mormon does mention other people groups. Of
course, the Book of Mormon indicates that the Nephites were in the
Americas, but were all wiped out in
385 A.D. by the Lamanites.43 Even if any were left, they were also of Jewish
origin, so would be expected to carry Jewish Functional and physical units of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.genes.

Another possible people group is the Mulekites, from the Book of
Omni.
The Mulekites had come out of Jerusalem at the time of the Jewish
captivity by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Although the Book of Mormon
does not specifically mention how they reached the Americas, the Book of Helaman from the
Book of Mormon records that "the Lord brought Lehi to the land south and
Mulek to the land north." (Helaman 6:10).44
However, since these people were also
of Jewish origin, they would be expected to express Jewish genetics.

Over 1000 years before the arrival of the Nephites, the Jaredites, who
had their origins at the Tower of Babel, had arrived in the New World,
according to the Book of Mormon (Ether
1-2). However, the Jaredite nation underwent a
devastating war, which completely erased their civilization. According to
the Book of Mormon introduction, “The other [Jaredites] came much earlier when the Lord
confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as
the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed...”45
There is one possible exception, being one of the leaders, Coriantumr. According
to the Book of Ether, introduction to the 15th chapter, “The Jaredite nation is utterly destroyed—Only Coriantumr
remains”.45 The presence of only one male among a population of founders
could never remove all remnants of Jewish genetics, since this man would not
influence the Genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell.mtDNA genetics at all, since those Functional and physical units of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.genes are passed only
maternally.

The Lamanites were only a small group of people in Central America

Some Mormons claim that the Lamanites were only a small group of people
who were geographically restricted to a particular location, such as
Central America. However, other Mormon scripture indicates that the
Lamanites are peoples on the North American continent.46 For example, Doctrine and
Covenants Section 28 says that the city of Zion will be built “on
the borders by the Lamanites.”47
Several Doctrine and Covenants Sections
indicate that Mormon leaders were to “preach to the Lamanites”48
At one point, the text specifically relates the Lamanites to the “Indian tribes in
the West”49 and that at least part of this boarders on the land of
Missouri.50

In addition to the standard works, the standard Mormon teaching book, Gospel
Principles teaches that the Lamanites are alive and numerous
throughout the Americas:

“The Lamanites Will Become a Great People
The Lord said that when his coming was near, the Lamanites would become
a righteous and respected people. He said, “Before the great day of
the Lord shall come,... the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose” (D&C
49:24). Great numbers of Lamanites in North and South America
and the South Pacific are now receiving the blessings of the
gospel.”51

In order to claim that the Native Americans are not Lamanites, one
would have to admit that much of Mormon scripture and official current
teaching is false.

Conclusions

Scientific studies conclusively show that the major claim of the Book of
Mormon that Israelites are the principle ancestors of Native Americans is false.
In fact, there are no Native American populations that share ancestry
with Israelites. Attempts to wiggle out of the obviously false claims of the
Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants simply invalidate large amounts of
Mormon “scripture.”

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to
those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke
you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs
30:5-6)

Related Pages

References

And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the plates of
brass a genealogy of his fathers; wherefore he knew that he was a
descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who
was sold into Egypt, and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord, that
he might preserve his father, Jacob, and all his household from perishing
with famine. (1 Nephi
5:14)

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt
construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may
carry thy people across these waters. (1 Nephi
17:8)

And he had caused the acursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore
cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their
hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as
they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not
be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to
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An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah and his four sons, being
called, (beginning at the eldest) Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. The
Lord warns Lehi to depart out of the land of Jerusalem, because he
prophesieth unto the people concerning their iniquity and they seek to
destroy his life. He taketh three days’ journey into the wilderness with
his family. Nephi taketh his brethren and returneth to the land of
Jerusalem after the record of the Jews. The account of their sufferings.
They take the daughters of Ishmael to wife. They take their families and
depart into the wilderness. Their sufferings and afflictions in the
wilderness. The course of their travels. They come to the large waters.
Nephi’s brethren rebel against him. He confoundeth them, and buildeth a
ship. They call the name of the place Bountiful. They cross the large
waters into the promised land, and so forth. This is according to the
account of Nephi; or in other words, I, Nephi, wrote this record. (Book of Mormon:1
Nephi 1 Summary)

The ship is finished—The births of Jacob and Joseph are
mentioned—The company embarks for the promised land—The sons of Ishmael
and their wives join in revelry and rebellion—Nephi is bound, and the
ship is driven back by a terrible tempest—Nephi is freed, and by his
prayer the storm ceases—They arrive in the promised land. [About 590—589
B.C.] (Book of Mormon:1
Nephi 18 Summary)
1 Ne. 18: 9 9 And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the
space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also
their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to
dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they
did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were
lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. (Book of Mormon:1
Nephi 18:9)

And it came to pass that Zoram did take courage at the
words which I spake. Now Zoram was the name of the servant; and he
promised that he would go down into the wilderness unto our father. Yea,
and he also made an oath unto us that he would tarry with us from that
time forth. (Book of Mormon:1
Nephi 4:35)
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also, my brethren took of the
daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also Zoram took the eldest
daughter of Ishmael to wife. (Book of Mormon:1
Nephi 16:7)
Therefore the true believers in Christ, and the true worshipers of
Christ, (among whom were the three disciples of Jesus who should tarry)
were called Nephites, and Jacobites, and Josephites, and Zoramites. (Book of Mormon:4
Nephi 1:37)

And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor of the queen,
and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud, and by the assistance
of his cunning servants, he obtained the kingdom; yea, he was acknowledged
king throughout all the land, among all the people of the Lamanites, who
were composed of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and
all the dissenters of the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the
present time. (Book of Mormon:Alma
47:35)
And the people of Ammon did give unto the Nephites a large portion of
their substance to support their armies; and thus the Nephites were
compelled, alone, to withstand against the Lamanites, who were a compound of
Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all those who had dissented
from the Nephites, who were Amalekites and Zoramites, and the descendants
of the priests of Noah. (Book of Mormon:Alma
43:13)

And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which
was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their
transgression and their rebellion against their brethren, who consisted of
Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men. And their brethren sought to destroy them, therefore they were cursed;
and the Lord God set a mark upon them, yea, upon Laman and Lemuel, and
also the sons of Ishmael, and Ishmaelitish women. And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed
of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that
they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove
their destruction. And it came to pass that whosoever did mingle his seed with that of the Lamanites did bring the same curse upon his seed.
(Book of Mormon:Alma
3:6-9)

And it came to pass in this year there began to be a war between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the
Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites, and the
Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites. Now the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites were called
Lamanites, and the two parties were Nephites and Lamanites. (Book of Mormon:Mormon
1:8-9)
For behold, it came to pass that the Zoramites became Lamanites;
therefore, in the commencement of the eighteenth year the people of the
Nephites saw that the Lamanites were coming upon them; therefore they made
preparations for war; yea, they gathered together their armies in the land
of Jershon. (Book of Mormon:Alma
43:4)
And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for
behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in
years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were
Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those
Gadianton robbers. (Book of Mormon:3
Nephi 1:29)

Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and
also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family,
and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all
those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were
those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God;
wherefore, they did hearken unto my words. (Book of Mormon:2
Nephi 5:6)

Book of Mormon Introduction: “The Book of
Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a
record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas
and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting
gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of
prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were
quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record
gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem
in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the
Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord
confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel, This group is known as
the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the
Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American
Indians.” (Book of Mormon:Introduction Preface:1-2)

And now it came to pass that after the great and
tremendous battle at Cumorah, behold, the Nephites who had escaped
into the country southward were hunted by the Lamanites, until they
were all destroyed. (Book of Mormon:Mormon
8:2)

Now the land south was called Lehi, and the land
north was called Mulek, which was after the son of Zedekiah; for the
Lord did bring Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land
south. (Book of
Mormon:Helaman 6:10)

Millions of the Jaredites are slain in battle—Shiz and Coriantumr assemble all the people to mortal combat—The Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them—The Jaredite nation is utterly destroyed—Only Coriantumr remains. (Book of
Mormon:Ether 15:Heading)
Two groups of Jaredites battled at
Cumorah Hill in New York state. The armies destroyed each other until only
the two leaders were left. Coriantumr killed Shiz, therefore being the only
survivor:
Wherefore, he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that when they had
all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood.
And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of
Shiz. And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up on his hands and
fell; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life. (Book of
Mormon:Ether 15:29-32)

Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the
people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written
to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and
also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of commandment, and also by
the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—Written and sealed up, and
hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed—To come forth
by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed
by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due
time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of
God. (Book of Mormon:Title Page 1:2)
Mormon invites the Lamanites of the latter days to believe in Christ,
accept his gospel, and be saved—All who believe the Bible will also
believe the Book of Mormon. (Book of Mormon:Mormon 7:Heading)
And now, behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this
people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my
words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak
unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words
which I speak:
Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel. (Book of Mormon:Mormon
7:1-2)
Which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of
whom the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel,
and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come. (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 19:27)

And now, behold, I say unto you that you shall go unto the
Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy
teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them; and
thou shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment.
And now, behold, I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man
knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given
hereafter. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the
Lamanites. (Doctrine and Covenants: Section 28:8-9)

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver
Cowdery, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. HC 1:109-111. Hiram Page, a
member of the Church, had a certain stone, and professed to be receiving
revelations by its aid concerning the upbuilding of Zion and the order of
the Church. Several members had been deceived by these claims, and even
Oliver Cowdery was wrongly influenced thereby. Just prior to an appointed
conference, the Prophet inquired earnestly of the Lord concerning the
matter, and this revelation followed. 1- 7, Joseph Smith holds keys of the
mysteries, and only he receives revelations for the Church; 8-10, Oliver
Cowdery is to preach to the Lamanites; 11-16, Satan deceived Hiram Page
and gave him false revelations. (Doctrine and Covenants: Section
28:Heading)
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David
Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jun., and John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York,
September 1830, following the three-day conference at Fayette, but before
the elders of the Church had separated. HC 1:115-116. Originally this
material was published as three revelations; it was combined into one
section by the Prophet for the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
1- 4, David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently; 5- 8,
Peter Whitmer, Jun., is to accompany Oliver Cowdery on a mission to the
Lamanites; 9-11, John Whitmer is called to preach the gospel. (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 30:Heading)
And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your
heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I
have given unto him power to build up my church among the
Lamanites; (Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 30:6)

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Parley P.
Pratt and Ziba Peterson, October 1830. HC 1:118-120. Great interest and
desires were felt by the elders respecting the Lamanites, of whose
predicted blessings the Church had learned from the Book of Mormon. In
consequence, supplication was made that the Lord would indicate his will
as to whether elders should be sent at that time to the Indian tribes in
the West. The revelation followed. 1-3, Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson
are called to preach to the Lamanites and to accompany Oliver Cowdery and
Peter Whitmer, Jun.; 4-5, They are to pray for an understanding of the
scriptures. (Doctrine and Covenants: Section 32:Heading)